Let me start by saying, I was interested in how much the 21 Day Fix would actually help me in terms of eating because I'd like to think I eat pretty clean to begin with. Folks, this program is about PORTION CONTROL. I feel like all too often I get carried away with eating things because they're "good for you" snacks but really you should always be aware of how much you're eating. Yes, you can occasionally "eye ball" it but you shouldn't depend on that method. 21df has been super eye opening for me and I feel like I have much better control on my portions and eating a more balanced diet. Yes, chicken is a lean protein but I was eating double what I should have been. Thank you, 21df for showing me the way.
I keep getting a lot of interest in recipes for things I post on my Facebook and Instagram (@myjourneytofitmama) so I'd thought I share some things. I'll be honest, I don't follow recipes all that frequently. I tend to get an idea (a lot from skinnytaste.com) or even just browsing pinterest and I will run with it. I will clean it up if it needs it and make substitutions. I try and get creative the best I can. I just love to be in the kitchen and I truly believe we eat with our eyes first so I enjoy making food pretty.
First up... Breakfast!
We are picking zucchini almost every day from our garden and I decided to give zucchini "homefries" a shot. They are so so good and very simple to make. Just saute zucchini and diced yellow onion in 1 tsp of EEVO (extra virgin olive oil) pan over medium heat for 15 minutes. Add fresh garlic (or garlic powder) salt and pepper and parsley. Paprika would be yummy too! 1 red/1 green/1 yellow & 1tsp
There is something about salsa and eggs. This is just egg whites, sauteed spinach and green peppers & some salsa. Yum! 1 red, 1 green, 1/2 purple &1 tsp
Not eggs but still full of protein! 1/2 c. simple granola (or a low sugar whole grain cereal) 3/4 c. plain greek yogurt (I use 2% fage greek yogurt) 1 c. fresh fruit and a drizzle of raw honey or pure maple syrup. Tastes like heaven! 1 yellow, 1 red, 1 purple
Same breakfast option but I like to throw a teaspoon of flax and chia seed for a little extra crunch! Same count as above except add 1 orange.
Okay now this is just so freaking good, if you haven't had it then I urge you to make tomorrow morning for breakfast. If you have a ripe avocado on hand of course! ;-) This is a piece of whole wheat toast with 1/2 avocado mashed and an over easy egg. Hot sauce on top of course! 1 red, 1 yellow & 1 blue
There is really so much you can do with breakfast and it is such a crucial meal to eat. We have to fuel our bodies properly to get them ready take on the day. No skipping breakfast!
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On to lunch..
A spin on buffalo chicken salad! Chicken breast w/ shredded carrots, chopped celery, hot sauce and a spoonful of greek yogurt. So easy! 1.5 green, 1 and 1/4 red.
Such a yummy salad! Romaine, beets, red grapes, goat cheese, flax & chia seeds. Used a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar for dressing. 2 green, 1 purple, 1 blue, 1 orange, 1 tsp.
Sometimes a simple sandwich is just awesome. Small whole wheat pita, sliced turkey and mustard. Served with red grapes! 1 yellow, 1 red and 1 purple.
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Let's talk dinner!
I love finding different ways to eat a bun with a turkey burger. I use zucchini, tomato or lettuce. There are so many different ways to try it. I served it with zucchini fries which I just threw on a baking sheet with a little olive oil, garlic powder and italian herbs for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. The burger is 1 red, 1 blue, 1/2 green.
This was my take on fajita night! Although on 21df you are allowed to have corn tortillas. I decided to keep it low carb. I had chicken (seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic, red pepper, onion and powder) fresh corn, sauteed bell peppers, black beans and salsa. 1 red, 1 green, 2 yellow and 1/2 purple.
Another spin on mexican! I just did simple grilled chicken, black beans and salsa over quinoa. 1 red, 2 yellow and 1/2 purple
Lemon garlic shrimp over zoodles (zucchini noodles) Yum! Sauteed shrimp with 1 tsp of olive oil and juice of 1 lemon. I sauteed the zucchini in the same pan. I add some fresh garlic and parsley and add parmesan cheese. I will likely add more lemon juice if I feel like it needs it. Salt and pepper and a little crushed red. 1 red, 1 green, 1 blue and 1.5 tsps.
This is just simple poached salmon with a little lemon over raw brussel sprouts, brown rice and beets. I cooked the salmon in a foil pouch for 20 minutes in 400 degree oven. The brussel sprouts were just tossed with olive oil, fresh lemon, garlic powder and s&p. 1 red, 2 green, 1 yellow, 2 tsps.
Mediterean style chicken: Basic grilled chicken, chopped tomato and cucumber and feta cheese over brown rice. I just drizzled balsamic vinegar over the top. 1 yellow, 1 red, 1.5 green and 1 blue
This picture is three servings. Caprese style chicken. Nom nom! Baby spinach, fresh mozzarella, tomato, fresh basil, grilled chicken, a drizzle of olive oil and a simple glaze made from boiled down balsamic vinegar. 2 green, 1 red, 1 blue and 1 tsp.
This was me last night using things I had in the fridge. Haha. I had cooked some grilled chicken to use for the next few days. I decided to throw it with some fresh zucchini I had grilled, fresh corn on the cob, tomato, black beans and avocado. I mixed with with fresh garlic, lime juice and s&p. It was so random and SO FREAKING GOOD. 1 red, 2 yellow, 1.5 green and 1 blue.
Coconut chicken with Asian broccoli slaw! I browsed pinterest for inspiration for this dish. I cut up chicken breast into tender like pieces, dipped them in egg then dredged them in shredded unsweetened coconut. I baked them on a baking sheet for 20 minutes at 400 degrees. I put a drizzle of raw honey on top. I made a dipping sauce for my husband using honey, orange marmalade and crushed red. I totally would have used it but orange marmalade isn't 21df approved. I'm proud for not giving in to the sugary temptation. I suppose I probably could have used fresh orange juice as an alternative. Whoops! I made the slaw with just a little sesame oil, balsamic, olive oil and sesame seeds. This meal is 1 red, 1 orange, 1 green, 1 tsp. Note: I didn't count the egg as a red because it was barely anything. :-P
I had leftover ground turkey from chili I made and decided to use it in my stuffed zucchini boats. Again, this recipe was inspired from pinterest. I'll be totally honest though, I cheated and used 2 blues for this when I'm only allowed 1. Womp womp.. I put ricotta cheese on the bottom inside of the "boat" topped it with the ground turkey and natural diced tomatoes. (I like muir glen organic tomatoes) The cheat part is a topped these with another blue that was goat cheese. It was SO good and although I cheated, it wasn't like I had lasagna or stuffed shells! lol. I called this 2.5 greens as I couldn't exactly fit the boats into my container, lol.. and 1 red and 2 blue.
Stir fry is definitely a staple in our home. I decided to create a 21 day fix approved Kung Pao chicken and it didn't disappoint! :) Throw diced chicken breast into pan with 1 tsp of olive oil and cook through. Add diced celery, onion, green bell pepper and cashews. Add a little low sodium soy sauce, raw honey, crushed red pepper and fresh garlic. I think I may have added a dash of rice wine vinegar for a little zing. Serve over brown rice. This isn't a major change from the usual kung pao I make except I may add more "stuff" to the sauce. Like hoisin sauce or maybe a dash of brown sugar. It totally doesn't need it. This was so good as it was. 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow, 1 tsp.
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We can't forget about snacks. I don't really take pictures of them but here are some ideas.
- hummus on small whole wheat pita; 1 blue & 1 yellow
- yogurt w/ fresh fruit; 1 red & 1 purple
- cottage cheese w/ fresh fruit; 1 red & 1 purple
- two hard boiled eggs; 1 red
- apple w/ peanut butter; 1 purple & 1 tsp
- flat out wrap w/ peanut butter, banana & raw honey. (AMAZING!!!!) 1 yellow, 1 purple & 1 tsp.
- cheese & crackers; 1 blue & 1 yellow
- nuts; 1 orange
- smoothie made with yogurt and fruit; 1 purple & 1 red
Sorry, that was a lot of information to take in. Although it may be a dream of mine to write a cookbook, I just threw this together while my daughters took their nap so I know it's not perfect and I wasn't super detailed so if you have any questions about anything, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Hope everyone has a great weekend! :)
XO,
A
